Janice'S Chicken Casserole
A comforting chicken casserole layered with mushrooms, broccoli, and cheese, topped with crunchy Ritz crackers and buttery margarine — perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut cooked chicken breasts into cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mushroom soup, broccoli soup, drained Veg-All, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and chicken broth.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top.
- Melt margarine and pour it over the cracker crumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breasts. You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or another cream soup if desired. If you prefer a crunchier topping, try mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese with the crushed Ritz crackers. Additionally, for a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread or rice for a heartier option. For a fun twist, consider serving with a side of creamy spinach and carrot soup to complement the flavors of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Janice's Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, heating in 30-second intervals until hot, but the oven will keep the topping crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Janice'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 1080 calories, with 36g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (72% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (57% of the Daily Value), and calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1201mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it as directed, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the Veg-All with your favorite frozen or fresh vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or even green beans. This versatility allows you to customize the dish based on what you have on hand.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
If you don't have Ritz crackers, you can use crushed butter crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes for a different texture. Each alternative will add its unique flavor and crunch to the casserole topping.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).